By Judy Reed

School districts in Kent County will get $19.9 million more this year in revenue after voters in Kent County approved a regional enhancement millage for the Kent Intermediate School District in a special election Tuesday, May 2.

According to Kent County’s Election magic report, 16.44 percent of the County’s registered voters turned out to vote. With all 230 precincts reporting, the proposal passed 39,996 yes to 34,193 no.

Most of the precincts in our area of northern Kent County voted against the proposal, with the exception of one precinct in Algoma Township, and two in Courtland Township.

The regional enhancement millage proposal of 0.9 mill ($0.90 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) will last 10 years and cost an average homeowner $6.70 per month. It is expected to bring in $19.9 million for the 20 districts and spread out on a per pupil basis. It will bring Cedar Springs Public Schools $723,000 the first year.

According to the school district, Cedar Springs would use the additional revenue for:

• Continued expansion of the Early Middle College program and access to other college and career opportunities.
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Academics and Behavior.
• Professional Development for continued best practices in instruction and student support.
• Enhanced afterschool and summer school learning opportunities.
• Comprehensive Counseling and Mental Health Programs.
• Technology Infrastructure and software enhancements.
• Maintaining or lowering class sizes.
• Improved assessment tools.
• Plus, this proposal will expand career training and technical course offerings to give students real life, on-the-job training and a head start on their careers.
• It will also give students exposure to the world of work and partnerships with business that prepare them for college and careers.

By law, every penny generated from this proposal will be distributed to local school districts to maintain existing programs and improve services offered to students. All spending will go through an independent financial audit every year, with spending disclosed on a public website to ensure transparency and accountability.

Superintendent Laura VanDuyn, Ed.D.

Dear Cedar Springs Public Schools Family:

On Tuesday, May 2, voters throughout Kent County will consider the Strong Schools, Strong Communities proposal, a 10-year, 0.9 mill increase for a regional enhancement millage that would allow local school districts to strengthen our future workforce and develop and attract strong talent right here in West Michigan.

If approved, the proposal will allow local districts to:

• Expand career training and technical course offerings that will give students real life, on-the-job training and a head start on their careers.
• Give students exposure to the world of work and business with partnerships that prepare them for careers.
• Give students living in poverty a good start, and surround them with the support needed to keep them in school.

By law, if this proposal is approved, every penny generated from this proposal will be distributed to local school districts to maintain existing programs and improve services offered to students.

At Cedar Springs Public Schools this proposal would generate an estimated $723,000 per year.  In alignment with the purposes above, our district will focus on these priorities:

• Continued expansion of the Early Middle College program and access to other college and career opportunities
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Academics and Behavior
• Professional Development for continued best practices in instruction and student support
• Enhanced afterschool and summer school learning opportunities
• Comprehensive Counseling and Mental Health Programs
• Technology Infrastructure and software enhancements
• Maintaining or lowering class sizes
• Improved assessment tools

Please share this information with your friends and family so they are informed about what’s on the ballot Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

Learn more at: strongschoolsstrongcommunities.com

Have a relaxing and enjoyable spring break!

Laura VanDuyn, Ed.D.

Superintendent